If you are in Queensland then you absolutely must head out to find Nemo on the Great Barrier Reef. Visible from space, you can pick from thousands of reef systems, its coral cays, or some breathtaking islands to explore.

You can scuba dive or snorkel your way around. If swimming isn’t your thing then there are glass bottomed boats, semi-submersibles or helicopter charters.

Cairns has an abundance of tour operators who cater for every type of tourist. Rest assured you will find a reef experience that is just right for you, within your budget.

UNESCO have awarded World Heritage status to the North Queensland’s Daintree Rainforest. Where the forest, literally, meets the sea.

Join a guided tour and search the rainforest for the proud dad cassowary and his chicks, or one of the many resident crocodiles on the Daintree River. You can even prolong your stay at an eco-lodge. Or join with the traditional custodians of the land, the Kuku Yalanji people for a different perspective on this part of the world.

South of Cairns, The Mamu Tropical Skywalk takes its name from the Ma:Mu people traditional owners of some of the lands around Innisfail.

The canopy walk offers stunning views along its walkways which rise 15 metres (49 ft.) into the forest.

You can climb the 37 metre (121 ft.) observation tower and make full use of the panorama setting on your camera.

Tjapukai Cultural Park

Tjapukai Cultural Park provides an insight into the lives of the oldest, continuous culture on Earth. Visitors, day or night, can see traditional dances, taste bush foods and partake in some hunter/gather methods.

Using state of the art visual effects and traditional storytelling techniques Tjapukai share Dreamtime stories in a unique way with guests.

Tjapukai also tell the painful history of the Stolen Generation and celebrates some inspirational Indigenous people both past and present.

Tourists to this Cairns attraction gain a sense of the positive ways tourism and culture interact, and the benefits Far North Queensland tourism brings to Indigenous Australians.

Buy an Authentic Indigenous Souvenir

Not usually found on a “things to do list”, this is arguably the most important tip here.

Indigenous art tells stories through its use of symbols and icons. Indigenous artists paint the stories belonging to their family that they have permission to tell.

Unfortunately there are many fake Indigenous souvenirs. This misleads tourists who buy souvenirs in good faith, wanting a memento of their vacation. Fake Indigenous art also exploits Indigenous artists when their work is copied, and distorts important cultural traditions.

By buying an authentic souvenir, such as a Keiora Candles Australiana Travel Tin, you are supporting Indigenous artists, ensuring this ancient culture and its traditions survive into the future.

Authentic indigenous artwork is so much more than a mass produced, kitsch souvenir.

Take away more than memories from your tropical Queensland adventure knowing you are supporting local artisans and keeping an ancient culture alive.